A Premium Promise: A Q&A With Monique Mueller, Director of Communications, Bee Sweet Citrus

A Premium Promise: A Q&A With Monique Mueller, Director of Communications, Bee Sweet Citrus
Jan 12 2026 - 2:08pm

There’s something immensely satisfying about indulging in citrus. The first rush of juice flowing over the tongue, followed by that sharp zip of acidity and sweetness, is an eating experience humans have been chasing after for millennia. 

Modernity has worn away the old-world indulgence of consuming citrus with year-round supply, but the act of putting that first slice in your mouth is arguably still as deluxe. Especially if you have suppliers like Bee Sweet Citrus providing the product. 

The company’s latest move to rebrand its Heirloom Navels is an homage to the uniqueness and diversity of its lineup. Under the Premium Citrus line, the new Heirloom Navels design will now reflect its sophistication in both taste and look. 


Anne Allen: Before we dive into the rebrand, could you provide a brief history of Bee Sweet Citrus’ Premium Citrus line? 

Monique Mueller, Director of Communications, Bee Sweet Citrus: The line first made its debut during the 2024–25 citrus season. At the time of its inception, it included Royal Red oranges, Pummelos, and Golden Gem grapefruit—all varieties that are incredibly unique in both flavor and appearance, but are only available to consumers for a limited period. 

With a citrus line as diverse as ours, we wanted to ensure that those varieties had everything in place to maximize visibility in the eyes of our customers. So, before the 2024–25 season launched, our team made a strategic decision to rebrand those varieties to ensure they would stand out against other varieties in the produce aisle for seasons to come.

“With a citrus line as diverse as ours, we wanted to ensure that those varieties had everything in place to maximize visibility in the eyes of our customers.”

Monique Mueller, Director of Communications, Bee Sweet Citrus


AA: How did the rebrand for Heirloom Navels come into being, and what prompted the change?

MM: Heirloom Navels are truly special because they’re the direct result of decades’ worth of hard work. For years, Bee Sweet Citrus growers have been nurturing the health of our citrus trees, enabling them to mature and produce fruit that is worthy of our loyal customers.

Unlike regular Navel oranges, Heirloom Navels are harvested on specific blocks of well-aged trees and have higher Brix (sugar) than standard Navel varieties. Numerous steps need to be taken before our team can pack fruit under our Heirloom brand, which is what inspired our team to redesign its packaging and give it a new look that represents its quality and exclusivity.


AA: Packaging is a crucial part of the puzzle, as it helps convey quality to consumers. What else contributed to the redesign of the packaging? 

MM: In a fast-paced world, it is crucial to make a strong first impression. While some shoppers have time to peruse the grocery aisle, many consumers are often grocery shopping while running errands or on their way home from work or school. Regardless of their schedules, we want to ensure that everyone not only notices our Heirloom Navels in the grocery store, but is also inspired to try them. Their distinctive appearance and quality will achieve just that.

“Heirloom Navels are truly special because they’re the direct result of decades’ worth of hard work.”


AA: In addition to Heirloom Navels, how does Bee Sweet Citrus’ premium citrus line continue to drive quality for Golden Gem grapefruit, Pummelos, and Royal Reds?

MM: The Bee Sweet Citrus team takes the term “premium” very seriously. When we market our varieties under an exclusive brand of fruit, we are committed to growing, packing, and shipping products that truly embody that standard.


A good first impression is everything, which is why the strength of a company’s branding should never be underestimated. Delivering on premium flavor for decades now, Bee Sweet Citrus is only further ramping up its promise to deliver delicious and, yes, premium, fruit to market with this rebrand.